Flicking on a light switch, freezing grocery items, watching a movie on the digital TV, turning on the AC, and powering a home stereo system are some of the things that are made possible through the phenomenon known as electricity. It is often easy to take for granted such a breakthrough innovation that has become so second nature to us, 21st century folk. And yet, without this indispensable energy source, our daily tasks would literally come to a halt, in view of the fact that life without refrigeration, air conditioning, power, and light is practically inconceivable for our modern generation. Our electrical system simplifies our lives and offers us a wide range of benefits ranging from personal convenience and home security to communications, climate control and energy efficiency.

An Electrician for All Your Wiring Needs

Electricians are the skilled contractors who ensure that our homes and businesses are operating properly and safely by inspecting, connecting, maintaining and repairing components such as outlets, transformers, fuses, wiring, and circuit breakers. Equipped with a thorough understanding of all facets of his or her trade, an electrician may be a specialist in maintenance, construction, or both. Electricians whose work focuses on maintenance perform upgrades and repairs on electrical equipment and systems. Those specializing in construction are generally responsible for installing wiring systems into new residences, businesses, and factories.

Licensed electricians perform emergency repairs, remodel homes, and provide electrical services on new home construction. They may also play a preventative or protective role in helping clients avoid an electrical fire or install a generator following a power outage.

Homeowners and renters may avail themselves of a multitude of electrician services, including the following:

Troubleshooting (i.e. malfunctioning breakers, outlets or lighting controls; pool motor issues)
Data cable and fiber optic installation
Installation for appliances (i.e. dryers, air conditioners, washers)
Installation or replacement of low-voltage electrical wiring for a TV, phone, home office network, spa, hot tub, work station, light fixtures, smoke detectors, ceiling fans, or other devices)
Electrical system design
Install, add, replace, or repair outlets, fixtures, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and other switches and receptacles such as fan speed control, timers, and dimers
Electrical inspections of the home for closing and code corrections
Upgrades, inspection, and repair of electrical panel to ensure energy efficiency and safety
Installation of fire alarms and testing of smoke detectors
Installation and repair of circuit breakers and fuses
Installation of ceiling fans, bathroom ventilation fans, exhaust fans, and attic fans
Connection of solar electrical systems
Connection of an air conditioning unit
Rewiring of bath and kitchen
Powering of garage door openers
Wiring, installation, maintenance, and repair of indoor and outdoor lighting systems (i.e. security lighting, parking lot lighting, landscape lighting, motion detector lighting

Electricians can also offer recommendations on such issues as 1) lighting suppliers and manufacturers, 2) sellers of secondary lightning arresters, devices that protect electrical systems against inclement weather, 3) the ceiling fan that is most suitable for a customer's home; 4) fan models and suppliers, and 5) most appropriate backup generator for a client's residence.

Electricians are required to be licensed in the vast majority of states. There are several types of licensed electricians:

Master electrician

Some electrical services may only be performed by a master electrician. Also referred to as the home electrician or head electrician, this technician oversees all electricians working on a show or production. In a theater, the master electrician is in charge of implementing the production's lighting design, as well as supervising the setting up and installation of stage lighting fixtures. Like the sound department, he or she may perform tasks such as (1) maintenance, repair and inventory of lighting control consoles, dimmers, cables, stage lighting fixtures, and electric power distribution and (2) planning and implementation of the power distribution and circuiting of lights for a production or show.

Industrial electrician

This type of technician is usually employed in manufacturing, engineering, and industrial settings such as power plants, chemical plants, mines, and factories. Generally, an industrial electrician deals with machinery and power distribution systems of higher voltages and bulkier equipment. Some of the duties performed by industrial electricians are as follows:

Upgrading, replacing, repairing, and troubleshooting different kinds of electrical circuits
Inspecting motor controls
Testing, inspecting, repairing, and installing wiring systems, electrical equipment, and power outlets in machinery and buildings
Building panels that enable the functioning of a building's AC, heating, lighting, and ventilation systems
Identifying and repairing glitches in machinery
Testing and keeping in working order equipment utilized in manufacturing and construction.

Many electricians offer free electrical service quotes, consultations, and feasibility studies.